Fun Run raises money for Community Awareness

Community members looking to have some holiday fun combined with a 5K to help those affected by cancer will not want to miss this year's third annual Jingle Bell 5K Fun Run/Walk.

This year, the run/walk will be a timed 5K and take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 1. Registration, which includes bells and a T-shirt, is $18 before Monday, $25 after Monday and will help go toward the Ionia Area Commission on Aging's cancer fund.

"We're hoping people come to have a good time and no just to race," said Snap Fitness employee Joe Cantwell.

Pre-registration will take place at the Ionia Armory beginning at 12:30 p.m. where participants can receive their jingle bells and T-shirts. Biggby Coffee and Jimmy John's also will be present with hot chocolate and sandwiches for the runners and walkers.

People of all ages and dogs are welcome to participate in a route that will go around the city and through the downtown area.

Cantwell said the goal to reach is $1,000, but with the help of eight sponsors , he added he believes they will surpass that goal.

"I am very excited to take our Jingle Fun Run to the next level," said Community Awareness Week and original Jingle Bell Fun Run organizer Diane Grummet. "Ionia has been so supportive with Community Awareness Week and we are looking forward to another very successful event and adding money to our Cancer Fund at the Commission on Aging."

Cantwell, who is planning on dressing up for the event as Santa Claus, said he expects the event to be fun and challenging, but added he and other Snap Fitness employees are looking forward to the run.

"It's exciting for all of us at Snap Fitness to give back to the community," Cantwell said.To sign up or for more information, visit www.ionia5k.com.